An hour north and a world away from Auckland, is the Matakana coast. Once the 'fruit bowl of Auckland' – its landscape is now home to thriving wineries, artists' enclaves and unique cottage industries.

Matakana is where Aucklanders go to escape the bustle of the city. If you'd like to spend a day marvelling at unspoilt countryside, browsing boutique shops and galleries, and exploring riverside towns and tranquil beaches, then this tour is for you.

Driving northbound, we leave the city behind and watch the scenery become increasingly rural, as houses yield to farms, country villages and national parks.

We soon leave State Highway 1 and follow a meandering river valley to the tiny hamlet of Puhoi. Colonised in 1863 by Bohemian settlers, the village has retained its cosy atmosphere as home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful settler buildings; including the famous Puhoi pub, and what may be the world's smallest library!

Past Puhoi is the Honey Centre, boasting New Zealand’s largest display of live bees and a huge range of native honeys to taste and buy. Discover the incredible medicinal and beautifying powers of unique Manuka honey, browse skincare and giftware, or simply enjoy a drink beside the pretty ornamental pond.

In Matakana village we discover how local entrepreneurs have turned a sleepy country hamlet in to a thriving artisan community – with its boutique shopping, art galleries, local crafts and vibrant Saturday market.

Then the nearby Morris and James pottery beckons us. During an informative and enjoyable 30-minute tour you’ll learn how local clay is used to create beautiful, handcrafted pots, wall art and sculptures, many with a uniquely New Zealand theme.

After a leisurely lunch in Matakana or the picturesque town of Warkworth, we head northwards, passing well-established vineyards: evidence of the region's emergence as a major wine producer.

It is hard to miss the candyfloss pink sheep of the SheepWorld Farm and Nature Park, the next stop on our itinerary. Here you′ll enjoy an entertaining live-action sheepdog display hosted by one of SheepWorld′s professional shearers. During the display you can test your hand–eye coordination by sorting sheep at the drafting gates, try your hand at sheep-shearing or bottle-feed the delightful newborn lambs.

In the NZ Farmyard area you can feed snacks to the friendly animals, meeting favourites like calves, pigs, lambs and goats plus more exotic species such as alpacas, emus and possums.

Following an easy boardwalk – guarded by two huge, ancient Kauri trees – we explore a stand of regenerating native bush to experience the sights, sounds and scent of our forests, as they were before European settlement. While standing among New Zealand's famous trees and vegetation your guide will explain how plants were used by past generations of European and Maori.

Nearby is Warkworth's original gaol house, the tiny Mahurangi Post Office and huts inhabited by US servicemen during WWII. Have your photo taken in the village stocks… and claim a brush with the law when you get home!

Finally, we visit a pretty, peaceful beach during an easy journey back to downtown Auckland. And here we return you to your pick-up point, and say our goodbyes.